Know Your Rights
Understanding your rights is your first defense. Whether you’re approached by law enforcement, facing arrest, or navigating an investigation, what you do—and don’t do—can protect your future. Stay informed, stay empowered.
Exercise Your Right to Stay Silent
Take advantage of your right to remain silent. You will not convince the officer, the booking officer, or a detective of your innocence. They do not affect guilty or not guilty verdicts. Wait to speak to your lawyer!
YOUR CASE IS NOT DECIDED BY THESE PEOPLE.
Don’t Fight the Officer. Fight Your Case.
Resisting arrest is an additional charge. Fight your case, not the officer. Hitting or bumping an officer may result in additional charges. If you are arrested and believe the officer lacks probable cause, fight your case in court. Do not engage in a fight at the time of your arrest.
POLICE WILL RESORT TO PEPPER SPRAY, TASERS, AND GUNS — DON’T ESCALATE.
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Stay Calm — Don’t Escalate
Insulting an officer only adds additional animosity. Police can add charges or make a special effort to speak with your prosecutor.
IT IS NOT YOUR GOAL TO CREATE AN ENEMY.
Police Can Legally Lie to You
Police can lie to get you to make an admission of guilt. The Reid technique is a method where police lie about having witnesses, video, or DNA. A federal, state, or municipal court may not throw out your statements because you were lied to by the police or tricked into talking to them.
POLICE ARE TRAINED TO GET A CONFESSION.
If You’re Arrested
"You have the right to remain silent. What you say can and will be used against you.”
If you have been arrested, it's important to remain calm and remember that getting arrested does not always mean that you are being charged with a crime.
GET A GOOD LAWYER — PROTECT YOUR RIGHTS.